FTE Review: 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty Platinum

There comes a time in a truck manufacturer’s product cycle when they need to make a statement, and make it BIG.

In this case, Ford’s big statement was way overdue. When the dazzling and equally massive new-generation Super Duty finally met the media at the State Fair of Texas in 2015, nearly 18 years had elapsed since Ford had completely rebuilt the truck.

In other words, the Super Duty had remained more or less the same since its debut in 1998. Despite becoming more capable and much more modern throughout its three generations, the mighty Ford needed a completely new approach if it was to continue leading the sales charts. This meant borrowing technology from the already revamped (and field-tested) F-150, and also learning a few tricks of its own.

I recently embarked on a weeklong test of the all-new 2017 Ford F-250, and despite not needing to tow an excavator, haul hay or supervise a construction site, the fourth-generation Super Duty certainly proved why it’s America’s workhorse of choice.

The Truck

My test truck came in the glamorous (and controversial) Platinum 4×4 trim and featured a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine under the hood. Why is the Platinum trim controversial? Because many folks believe that trucks shouldn’t be luxurious, and even more think they’re just too expensive. Are they both wrong? Yes.

Pickup trucks aren’t just trucks anymore — they’re multifaceted daily drivers. They allow individuals and families to do more, and do it better than anyone else. They pick up the little ones from school, they carry the groceries, they haul the weekend camper, and in due time, they’ll even take those same little ones to their high school prom.

When equipped with the dual-pane sunroof, the cabin feels bigger, brighter and definitely nicer than most NYC apartments.

The fact that these machines can tow up to 21,000 pounds is still very important, but Super Duty customers have already grown to expect such performance. Therefore, Ford’s biggest focus is making the driving experience more enjoyable for the owners, and more profitable for themselves.

The Platinum Experience

It all begins with the pretty but rather bulky key fob. Besides the traditional locking and unlocking of the doors, it boasts remote engine start, tailgate release and lock. I really appreciated the built-in blinking light, which lets you know if the remote start command worked or not.

I probably used the remote start feature more than I should, but hopping into a toasty (or chilly) cabin was quite nice, so why suffer? Plus, hearing the Power Stroke engine ignite from afar was kind of cool. Once it’s time to enter the truck, all you have to do is reach for the handle and allow the proximity sensors to detect the key fob in your pocket or purse, which will automatically unlock the door and deploy the power retractable running boards.

Every time I set foot in a Super Duty crew cab I’m reminded of just how massive it is. When equipped with the dual-pane sunroof, the cabin feels bigger, brighter and definitely nicer than most NYC apartments. Supple leather adorns just about every surface your behind, hands, arms and other limbs may come in contact with, further instilling a sense of purposeful luxury.

Speaking of luxury, the Platinum trim extends to the exterior with several upgrades that seem to say: “That’s right, I’m fancy, I’m the new boss in town.” The satin chrome bar-style grille is simply striking, and the massive quad-beam LED headlights are as bright at night as they are during the day. Overall, the Platinum’s front end is a mixture of high-tech and high-class.

The range-topping trim also adds a satin chrome panel across the tailgate, which pompously spells out “PLATINUM,” as well as 20-inch polished-aluminum wheels.

The Amenities

The 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty’s superiority has been established for years. With that in mind, this review zeroes in on what inflates the MSRP to stratospheric proportions.

If you look at the 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty Platinum’s window sticker, you will see a long list of standard and optional equipment. According to my calculations, this beast of a truck costs approximately $77,960, and I’m going to tell you why.

The interior is refined, and the dash layout is extremely clean and organized. Despite being a “luxury truck,” Ford did an excellent job at maintaining key work-truck characteristics. Frequently used buttons are of considerable size, which means they’re easy to read and can be easily pushed while wearing work or winter gloves.

As mentioned before, getting comfortable behind the wheel involves a few more steps than in lesser trims. Platinum trim offers 10-way power front seats with side bolsters and lumbar adjustments, which guarantee a custom fit for long cavalcades on the open road. Whatever your width or length is, the Platinum is in to please.

Once the seat position is on-point, set the power adjustable pedals and steering column to match. Next are the PowerScope towing mirrors, which can be adjusted, folded and even extended at the touch of a button. Lastly, push one of the two available seat memories so you won’t ever have to go through that again.

Despite being a ‘luxury truck,’ Ford did an excellent job at maintaining key work-truck characteristics.

Because all of that is cool — but not quite $77-grand cool — the top-of-the-line Super Duty packs two more features that truly put the cherry on top. Inside the meaty front seats is anintricate massaging system. Yes, you and your co-pilot can have your buttocks, lower and mid-back massaged while driving down the road. The specific area and strength of the massage can be easily customized via the eight-inch center screen. Lastly, both front seats can be cooled on hot summer days, while the front and rear seats and steering wheel can be heated during cold winter mornings.

After all of the above has taken place, you can shift into gear and utilize the 360-degree camera system to safely pull out of a parking space.

Is It Worth the Cash?

We here at Ford Truck Enthusiasts initially asked you — our readers — to tell us what you want to know most about the F-250 Super Duty Platinum via Facebook video. We received hundreds of questions, most of which were answered directly via comments. But, there was one common theme that stood out, and that was the price.

Sure, the Platinum trim isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny. This kind of luxurious workhorse isn’t the right fit for everyone, but it’s surely going to be the truck of choice for many who are looking for dependability, capability and luxury rolled into one powerful package.

Before you comment that Ford trucks simply aren’t affordable anymore and that no one could possibly buy these high-end monsters, remember that a Super Duty crew cab starts at $36,130 and that sales of high-end trims are at an all-time high.